sly1

Interesting comparison of the two cars by non professional drivers. Given the 100HP differential between the cars, I was surprised that the Boxster performed as well as it did. but Porsche has the reputation of understating the HP of its cars. The first part of the clip focuses on each car's features, so if that doesn't interest you, fast forward past the first seven minutes.
Again these guys aren't professionals, so don't get upset by the times. Also, keep in mind that there's a 20K price differential between the cars. Although for some buyers the C8's ADM may lessen that differential

64drvr

They are very evenly matched, although that will offend some here as they may feel the 718 is socially beneath their c8. The c8’s extra 500 pounds is worth considering in both a pure performance and driving experience comparison. Not to mention Porsche still offering a very nice manual transmission option for the purists. In the 2021 Lightning Lap, the C8 ran a 2:49.0 while the Cayman GTS ran a 2:50.3 - IMO a very close performance.

Red Mist Rulz

I've driven the Boxster, though not the GTS. It's a fantastic driver's car. Very nimble and responsive, with great feedback through the steering wheel and brake pedal. In many respects a better "driver's car" than the C8, at least on the track. And it feels quicker than it is, while the C8 strangely feels less quick than it really is.

But in daily use, and for travel, I'll take the C8 any day. The interior is a much more inviting place to be. The Boxster dash looks cheap unless you spend a bunch of money on options, and even then the entire interior looks dated, while the C8 looks very modern and futuristic. The dash displays on the C8 are much better and provide more information without having to scroll through a bunch of different display options, and the C8 is definitely more comfortable and roomy. I'd take off on a cross country trip in the C8 next week if I wanted to. Not a chance I'd want to do that in the Boxster.

In spite of both being performance oriented 2 seat sports cars, their designs have a different focus, and they're quite different in how how actually drive. Both are great cars, and one is a great bargain.

peter pan

Watched the vid last week and both great vehicles

johnodrake

The P car is nice - if you can get past the look

69L79

The "looks" are not even close IMO. C8 all day long.

sly1

IMO you can't go wrong with either car. If you want a "modern" car with all the electronics, the C8 is a no brainer. For those who are drawn to the classical look, the Boxster is worth a look, especially if you can't buy a C8 without a significant ADM. For those who bought a C8 at sticker, there's no doubt which is the better value.

C8forT

Although the Boxter GTS 4.0 has less power, it is also significantly lighter than the C8 HTC - about 3125 lbs vs 3647 lbs (per Car and Driver). At a rated 394 hp, the Boxter carries 7.93 lb/hp (ignoring driveline losses). At 495 hp, the C8 carries 7.36 lb/hp (ignoring driveline losses). So, the weight/hp ratios of the two vehicles are not significantly different. Gearing and driveline losses also will have an impact, not to mention how well the testers were able to get the cars to launch. From my experience so far, the C8 takes a little fiddling with the launch settings to get the best launch.

frankjr

So true, both great cars but like the more exotic look of the C8 and you get more bang for the $$$.

RedC7AZ

Porsche doesn't have enough torque. Takes away from the fun factor.

sly1

You have to buy a Porsche Turbo to get a lot of torque. The 2021 Porsche Turbo has 590 lb/ft. Of course it will cost you. The base price is $170K, which is about a $100K more than a C8.

papillion

Often, we see a white Porsche Turbo S heading up or down our home's main access route. A unknown neighbor to us. And not once have I ever followed it and pined to have one of my own. Nice car, expensive car, end of the day a car only an enthusiast could love. Drive a C8 and people will drive beside you for blocks with the proverbial thumbs up as you/they separate. I want flash and the Corvette provides it at a reasonable tariff.

Foosh

The 2.5 Turbo in the Boxster/Cayman S has much more low end torque, and a more kick in the butt feel. The NA 4.0 peaks on everything at higher rpms. Thus, the 2.5 is a more friendly engine for street fun. It's hard to drive around at high rpms without attracting too much attention.

As far as HP is concerned it's 350 for the 2.5 vs. 396 for the 4.0 with the 2.5 being a bit lighter. Tuners have also taken the 2.5 well over 400.

sly1

Anyone of "normal means" who craves attention, won't go wrong with a C8. About a year ago I was jogging with friends on a country road when a red C8 went by. There were five of us and three thought it was a Ferrari, another thought it was a McLaren, and when I said it was a Corvette they all laughed and said no way. I tried to reassure them that it was in fact a Corvette, but no one believed me.

Warp Ten

If you plan to drive up to the "country club" and have the valet park your car, the Chevy is not the right car. The snob factor of the "P car" out weighs any performance advantage the Chevy has, This Forum is more about performance, I suspect the "P car" forum is more about snob factor.

64drvr

My experience between Rennlist and here is the polar opposite. Pcar enthusiasts make several admiring threads of all performance competitors, their view of their cars has no connection to social status, rather they can appreciate GT350’s, C8’s, 458’s, etc. all the same. This section has a certain segment that makes it very clear virtually nothing is socially equal to their c8, unless it’s some million dollar hypercar.

c_r_h

One should also consider that a naked Boxster GTS 4.0 costs 90k, and with Porsche naked means naked. With options you are looking at 110-120k.

Foosh

A GTS comes standard with things that are options on the base and S models. The really "naked" model would be the base. Porsche isn't completely different from everyone else in making more features standard on higher-end models, but they are a bit more stingy because it is a big money maker.

They have been adding more and more things that used to be options as standard features. For example, what used to be the pricey optional Porsche Sport Exhaust is now standard even on the 718 base.

Red Mist Rulz

Have you actually driven one? It doesn't feel slow off the line, and it's plenty fun to drive.

JerryU

Forget Porsche torque, looking at their C8 0 60 times these ~4 second numbers are terrible. That is about what my manual C6 Z51 did! My C7 Z51 was better as was my 2017 Grand Sport substantially better with wider 335 section width tires!

In fairness, they said it was cold in Canada! Yep even my ProStreet Rod does not launch well off the line when It's ~50F! Has to be >75+ F for me to try. In fact trying a 0 to 60 run at 50, with no nannies and only Posi could be in a ditch when one tire looses grip! Glad I live in SC.

And forget the 1 foot roll-out excuse, I measure my street rod with a G-TEC Pro accelerometer that starts instantly! C8 still beats it's set back 8.2 Liter, ~525 hp engine with 53% of it's 3000 lbs on the 16.5 section width (420 for Canadians) Tires!

They did say they were traction limited, which even my C7 Grand Sport was above a limited rpm launch slipping the clutch. Have done many C8 0 to 60 runs (showing friends) and have NOT had traction issues! Surprises even me!